Erskine Writers

 Tuesday 13th May

The last regular meeting of the group was a session for open manuscripts. Apologies were received from Donnie, Marilyn and Lorna. Sandra began proceedings by briefly reviewing the year and commended to us the fact that four of our number were now published authors in their own right (or should that be write??) - Sandra herself, Jeannie, Lorna and John McD and she felt that this was a huge achievement .

Jeannie opened proceedings with a reading from her novel based in Clydebank during the war. It remains a work in progress but the piece with which we were entertained was wonderfully descriptive and atmospheric. The story of Flora. a selective mute and unmarried mother torn away from her rural roots to be housed in the an urban conglomerate has yet to be concluded and, indeed, Jeannie is still undecided as to where it will take us but we await the outcome with anticipation. John H’s two hander with John McD was a clever play on the Mastermind format and its comic content was enjoyed by all. Morag’s poem “A Simple Life”, a contribution to the “I’ve never….” Challenge, was a delicate and reflective poem listing the things she had not achieved in contrast to more modest attainments. However, it demonstrated that what Morag HAD achieved was far greater than the more expansive experiences and that is a happy, contented, fulfilling life.

Hilary also gave us a taste of her “novel on the blocks” - a murder set on the stormy island of Cumbrae where none could arrive and none could leave. The hurricane hitting Millport was well described as was a somewhat “hair raising” visit to the barber but the key as to the identity of the murder victim was held by…..a key! All  will be revealed in the fullness of time. Rob read out his article on the relevance of tribute bands along with the revealing and honest crit it had received and Joan’s piece entitled “Homeless” described the trials and tribulations of a schoolboy forced to leave the family home on the appearance of the suspicious Eddie. This story has legs. Finally, Sandra gave us her short story “Dougal’s Bunnet” a simple tale of life on a western isle when the loss of a well loved headpiece caused consternation to an entire community. It benefitted from a wonderful accented telling and was enjoyed by all.

And so to the garden party and prize giving and members are reminded that it begins at Sandra’s at 12.30 and that everyone is advised to bring a hat as it promises to be a warm and sunny day!